A lot of activities towards Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations

Mid-Autumn festival is held on the 15th day on the 8th lunar month in the middle of autumn and it is celebrated for a whole day. The Mid-Autumn festival dates back to the Rice Civilization of the Red River delta, over 4,000 years ago. It is fantastic and charming with its history.

Today, the Mid-Autumn Festival is cherished not only for its history, but also for the joyful experiences it brings. Across the country, cities and provinces celebrate in their own unique ways, blending heritage with creativity.

Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations in different areas

Hanoi

Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations were held annually around September 19 at Kim Ngan Communal House, 42-44 Hang Bac Street, Dong Lac Communal House at 38 Hang Dao Street and Heritage House at 87 Ma May Street in Hanoi.

Organizers displayed folk toys such as star lantern, humming top, masks and to he (toy figurine – a traditional toy for children in Vietnam which is made from glutinous rice powder in form of edible figurine such as animals, flowers or characters in folk stories) made of paper or wood.

Festival in Hang Ma Street

Moreover, artisans will instruct kids to make traditional toys from natural materials, helping them to discover the nation’s traditional culture and values. The highlight of the program is to reproduce a traditional Mid-Autumn festival of a Hanoian family and a Dong Ho painting exhibition themed on children at the Heritage House.

Kids in fall festival of Vietnam

The program is organized by Hanoi’s Old Quarter Management Board with an aim to preserve and develop traditional cultural features as well as to promote the old quarter to tourists.

The program was organized by Hanoi’s Old Quarter Management Board with an aim to preserve and develop traditional cultural features as well as to promote the old quarter to tourists. The celebrations started at 10 a.m. at Kim Ngan Communal House. Activities were held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. during the festival.

Lam Dong

Besides that, there was a big program organized for this Festival in Lam Dong. Thousands of children gathered at Vietnam’s largest mid-autumn lantern parade festival in Phan Thiet city on September 17. The festival was recognized as a Vietnamese record by the Vietnam Book of Records (Vietbooks) and received the Guide Award for the most spectacular and successful cultural festival in the local tourism sector.

Phan Thiet Celebrates Mid Autumn

According to the organizing board, this year’s lanterns have been vividly designed with ideas originating from fairy tales. Especially, thousands of small lanterns using wax instead of batteries have been made by nearly 3,000 students from 30 primary and high schools in the city.

The event has created a healthy playground for them in celebration of the mid-autumn festival. It is one of five traditional festivals regularly held in Lam Dong to promote local trademarks to both local and foreign visitors.

Da Nang

In Da Nang, Mid-Autumn Festival activities combine traditional family with a modern city vibe. Popular spots include Hung Vuong Lantern Street, Helio Center, and Asia Park, where visitors can enjoy lantern displays, lion dances, children’s games, and seasonal street food.

Colorful decoration in Da Nang

As night falls, iconic landmarks such as Dragon Bridge and the nearby Love Bridge turn into popular evening gathering spots. Families and couples pause here to enjoy the full moon, river views, and festive lights, creating relaxed and memorable moments against Da Nang’s illuminated skyline.

Just 30 minutes south, Hoi An offers a more intimate Mid-Autumn experience, with lantern-lit streets and floating candle rituals along the river.

Read more: Mid-Autumn Festival in Hoi An

Ho Chi Minh City

In Ho Chi Minh City, the Mid-Autumn Festival is energetic and colorful, reflecting the city’s fast-paced urban spirit. The most iconic destination is Luong Nhu Hoc Lantern Street, where thousands of vibrant lanterns light up the street weeks before the festival, drawing families, photographers, and children eager to choose their favorite designs.

Activities in Bui Vien Street

Lively crowds gather along Nguyen Hue Walking Street and Bui Vien Street, where lion dances, drum performances, and street shows create a festive atmosphere late into the night. For a calmer experience, locals head to Starlight Bridge at Crescent Lake, a breezy, illuminated space ideal for moon viewing and evening walks. Meanwhile, major amusement parks such as Suoi Tien Theme Park, Dam Sen Cultural Park, and Thao Cam Vien Rabbit Park host Mid-Autumn night events featuring lantern parades and lion dance performances.

Conclusion

Celebrated in many different ways from north to south, the Vietnam Mid-Autumn Festival beautifully reflects the country’s cultural diversity and strong family values. From lantern-lit streets and joyful parades to quiet moonlit moments by the river, each destination offers its own unique atmosphere under the same full moon.

For travelers, the Vietnam Mid-Autumn Festival is a meaningful chance to experience local traditions, connect with communities, and discover Vietnam at its most warm and authentic.